WTA Tour: Ultimate Preview of the Exciting WTA Premier 5 in Doha | Hollywoodbets Sports Blog

Brace yourself for an electrifying start to the WTA Premier 5 season! With a spectacular draw showcasing nine of the top 10 WTA ranked ladies, including the reigning champ Karoline Pliskova and current World No.1 Caroline Wozniacki, Doha promises top-tier tennis action.

Despite wildcards like Maria Sharapova and former world No. 2 Agnieszka Radwanska not being seeded, expect nail-biting clashes from the very first round in Doha.

The quarterfinals here are likely to feature the top seed Caroline Wozniacki and 8th seed Angelique Kerber. Both ladies are off to a strong start this year and expected to reach the quarters. However, Maria Sharapova’s wildcard sets up a fascinating clash with Wozniacki in the round of 16. Sharapova holds a 6-4 edge over the Dane, although their last meeting was in 2015, making this an exciting rematch. Kerber could face Johanna Konta before the quarters – despite Konta’s slow start this season, she has strong past performances including a semifinal in the Aussie Open and wins over Sharapova. Keep an eye on Kerber as Wozniacki’s World No.1 ranking might be challenged by Simona Halep.

Elina Svitolina, known for her dominance outside of majors, won three Premier 5 titles last year. Third seed Svitolina is projected to meet Jelena Ostapenko in the quarters. While Svitolina’s draw looks promising, she might have to face Petra Kvitova in the third round, who will be coming off Fed Cup matches. Ostapenko has struggled this year but was a finalist here in 2016. Julia Goerges is another dark horse, showing strong recent form that could threaten Svitolina’s run.

This quarter may see Garbine Muguruza and Caroline Garcia fighting it out for a spot in the semis. Muguruza has had a slow start, hampered by injuries and form issues, and Doha’s indoor courts might not suit her style. However, the return of coach Conchita Martinez could inspire a turnaround. Elise Mertens, fresh from winning Hobart and reaching the Aussie Open semis, is lurking as a serious contender here. Garcia is set to face tough opponents in her draw, including a challenging opener against either Dominika Cibulkova or Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Kristina Mladenovic’s recent resurgence also makes her a potential threat.

Defending champion Karolina Pliskova and 2014 champion Simona Halep are expected quarterfinalists in this star-studded section. Halep boasts a 6-2 head-to-head advantage against Pliskova but has been carrying some ankle concerns heading into Doha. Despite this, she has a real shot at reclaiming the No.1 ranking if results go her way. Pliskova struggled with a stomach virus keeping her out of Fed Cup, and she faces a tricky start against Cori Gauff or Anett Kontaveit, followed by a possible showdown with Madison Keys. Halep, with a bye in the first round, will likely face Shuai Zhang or Ekaterina Makarova next, with subsequent challenges against Katerina Siniakova or Vera Zvonareva. Given the conditions, Halep looks poised to be the player to beat this week.

Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets.net